New alcohol warning for early stages of pregnancy

Published on Tuesday 20 January 2009 21:19

WOMEN who drink heavily in the first three months of pregnancy are more likely to have a premature baby, research suggested yesterday.

Experts found that women who were binge drinkers could also put their babies at risk even if they stopped drinking after the first three months.

The results raise fears about women who drink heavily in the first trimester without realising they are pregnant.

The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found no evidence that drinking in small quantities harmed the baby. The government has said women trying to conceive and those who are pregnant should avoid drinking altogether.

But if they do choose to drink, they should consume low levels only once or twice a week, and women should not get drunk.

Experts disagree over the issue, with some saying there is no proof that light drinking harms the baby, while others believe that the evidence is inconclusive.